NEECA pushes for energy conservation agencies in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

WEB DESK: The National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA) is urging Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to move quickly towards setting up their own Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EE&C) agencies.  

This move is seen as crucial to contributing to the broader efforts to conserve energy resources. 

Dr Sardar Mohazzam, the Managing Director of NEECA, has sent separate letters to the Chief Secretaries of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, highlighting the importance of NEECA’s role.  

NEECA was established under the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation (NEEC) Act of 2016 to implement energy efficiency and conservation measures across Pakistan, with the goal of enhancing the country’s energy security and sustainability. 

The NEEC Act of 2016 empowers provincial agencies to manage and implement energy-saving measures within their respective regions, offering a decentralised approach to energy conservation. 

During a meeting on July 26, 2021, the NEECA Board of Directors approved the establishment of provincially designated agencies in line with the NEEC Act of 2016. 

Dr Mohazzam noted that Sindh has made significant progress by creating the Sindh Energy Efficiency and Conservation Agency (SEECA) in accordance with the NEEC Act of 2016.

This is made possible by Clause 14 of the Act, which allows provincial governments to create rules for its implementation. 

Read more: Pakistan’s auto industry growth hampered by excessive taxation 

Similarly, in Balochistan, the Chief Minister has recently approved a proposal for the establishment of the Balochistan Energy Efficiency and Conservation Agency (BEECA). 

However, there are concerns regarding Punjab. PEECA (Punjab Energy Efficiency and Conservation Agency) has not yet achieved designated agency status as required by the NEEC Act of 2016.

This is particularly troubling since Punjab is the most energy-intensive province in the country and holds significant potential for energy savings.  

NEECA has urged the Chief Secretary of Punjab to expedite the process of granting PEECA designated agency status, given its crucial role in promoting energy efficiency and conservation. 

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Dr Mohazzam’s letter to the Chief Secretary emphasises that KPEECA (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Energy Efficiency and Conservation Agency) has not been established as outlined in the NEEC Act of 2016.  

Thus, he has called for the initiation of the process to align energy efficiency and conservation efforts at both the national and provincial levels.

This alignment is vital for effective energy conservation and regional energy security.